The Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour from Kandy offers an immersive glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage. Travelers can explore the UNESCO-listed ruins, marvel at the awe-inspiring rock-cut Buddhas, and uncover the secrets of the royal palaces, all while enjoying the convenience of an air-conditioned vehicle and a knowledgeable guide. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an enriching cultural experience, this 12-hour excursion promises to leave you intrigued and eager to discover more about this captivating ancient city. With flexibility and attention to detail, the tour ensures an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka’s storied past.
Key Points
- A 12-hour guided tour from Kandy or Matale to the UNESCO-listed ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa for up to 3 participants, costing €109.77.
- The tour includes round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional English-speaking driver, and a special guide.
- The 4-hour guided tour covers key sites like the Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, royal palaces, and Parakrama Samudra reservoir.
- Participants need a valid passport, comfortable walking shoes, and appropriate attire for temple visits.
- The tour has an overall rating of 5/5 based on one review, with positive feedback on the driver, guide, and suitability for elderly and families.
Tour Overview
The guided tour from Kandy to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa lasts 12 hours and costs €109.77 for a group of up to 3 participants. Guests can choose to start the tour from Kandy or Matale.
The tour includes round-trip transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, a professional English-speaking driver, bottled water, and seasonal fruits.
At Polonnaruwa, a special guide leads a 4-hour tour of the UNESCO-listed ancient ruins, Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, royal palaces, and the Parakrama Samudra reservoir. Participants have free time for independent sightseeing as well.
The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, with full refunds available up to 24 hours in advance.
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Itinerary Details
The tour begins with pickup from Kandy or Matale, followed by a 3.5-hour car journey to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.
Once there, the highlights include:
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A guided tour of the UNESCO-listed ancient ruins for 4 hours
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Exploring the Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, royal palaces, and the impressive Parakrama Samudra reservoir
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Free time for sightseeing and exploring the historic site on foot
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The opportunity to admire the seasonal fruits provided, subject to availability
After the guided tour and free time, the return journey to Kandy or Matale takes around 4 hours, completing the 12-hour experience.
Inclusions and Exclusions
This tour’s inclusions cover bottled water, a professional English-speaking driver, hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned vehicle transport (shared tour), and a special guide at the ancient city.
Conversely, it excludes food and drinks (unless specified), gratuities, and entrance fees for sites.
Providing a comprehensive breakdown of what’s covered and what’s not, this information allows travelers to better plan and budget for their day trip to Polonnaruwa.
With the core components of transportation, guides, and basic refreshments included, the tour aims to offer a convenient and hassle-free experience for visitors exploring this UNESCO-listed ancient city.
Understanding the exclusions upfront also helps set realistic expectations, ensuring an enjoyable and well-prepared journey.
Participant Requirements
Travelers must bring a valid passport to participate in this guided tour of Polonnaruwa.
The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or physical limitations, including:
- Heart complaints
- Serious medical conditions
- Back problems
- Mobility impairments
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves moderate walking around the ancient ruins.
Visitors should also dress appropriately for temple visits, covering their shoulders and knees.
The tour is designed to accommodate the needs of all participants, and the guide and driver are prepared to assist those with any special requirements.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Feedback
Travelers’ positive experiences with the Polonnaruwa guided tour are reflected in the overall 5/5 rating based on one review.
Highlights of the feedback include the friendliness and helpfulness of the driver, the knowledgeable guide, and the tour’s accommodation for elderly participants’ needs. Families exploring the ancient city also found enjoyment in the experience.
Reviewers praised the tour’s ability to cater to a range of ages and physical abilities, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience for all.
The shared-tour format allowed guests to connect with others while discovering the UNESCO-listed ruins, rock-cut Buddhas, and historic palaces at their own pace.
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Booking and Pricing
The Polonnaruwa guided tour offers a competitively priced package at €109.77 per group of up to 3 participants, with the option to reserve now and pay later.
The tour provides a full-day excursion from Kandy or Matale to the UNESCO-listed ancient city, including a comprehensive 4-hour guided exploration of the key historical sites.
Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, ensuring flexibility.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, bottled water, and even seasonal fruits, offering a well-rounded experience.
With a duration of 12 hours, the tour allows ample time to discover the ancient wonders at a leisurely pace.
Pickup and drop-off from the guest’s location in Kandy or Matale are provided, adding to the convenience.
Getting to Polonnaruwa
The guided tour to Polonnaruwa ancient city commences with a car journey from Kandy or Matale, taking approximately 3.5 hours to reach the UNESCO-listed historical site.
During this scenic drive, travelers can sit back and enjoy the lush, verdant landscapes of Sri Lanka’s central region. Along the way, the air-conditioned vehicle provides a comfortable and relaxing experience.
Upon arrival at Polonnaruwa, the group will embark on a guided tour to explore the well-preserved ruins, including the Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, royal palaces, and the expansive Parakrama Samudra reservoir.
With the help of a knowledgeable local guide, visitors can explore the rich history and cultural significance of this ancient capital city.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Flexible Is the Tour Schedule for Unexpected Delays?
The tour schedule is flexible enough to accommodate unexpected delays. The driver and guide can adjust the itinerary as needed to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for participants, within the overall 12-hour duration of the tour.
Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?
The tour allows photography, but there may be restrictions in certain areas, such as protected historical sites or religious temples. Visitors should follow the guidance of the tour guide to ensure they respect local customs and regulations.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Accommodate Specific Interests?
Yes, the tour can be customized to accommodate specific interests. The tour operator is willing to modify the itinerary or focus to align with the preferences and needs of the participants, within reasonable limits.
What Is the Availability of Restroom Facilities Along the Route?
The tour includes stops at various ancient sites, where there are typically basic restroom facilities available. Travelers should plan accordingly as the availability and condition of these facilities may vary along the route.
Are There Any Special Considerations for Travelers With Dietary Restrictions?
The tour operator doesn’t explicitly mention accommodations for travelers with dietary restrictions. However, they do provide bottled water and seasonal fruits, so vegetarians or those with mild dietary needs can likely be accommodated. It’s best to inquire about specific requirements when booking.
Recap
The Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour from Kandy offers an enriching day exploring the UNESCO-listed ruins.
Travelers can discover significant sites, rock-cut Buddhas, and royal palaces while enjoying the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle and the expertise of a professional guide.
With a focus on convenience and flexibility, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for all participants.
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